1. Look for “Kids Night” deals. Many restaurants offer a special night where kids under 12 eat free or at a greatly reduced price.

2. Share a large entree. Most meal portions in restaurants are substantially larger than what we are used to at home. Two people could easily share a portion and neither leave hungry. This would be good for our waistlines and our billfolds.

3. Coupon shop. Many restaurants advertise extensively with “buy one, get the second half price” coupons online and in the mail. If you are looking for them, you will not have trouble seeing them.

4. Occasionally go fast food. Couples and families find they can have just as much fun without table cloths and two forks. My wife and myself occasionally eat at Wendy’s for less than $9 for both of us.

5. Eat slowly and enjoy the moment. How often have we “gone out to relax” and hurried through the meal?

6. Order something hot to drink. Sipping a hot drink before and after the meal not only relaxes us, it helps fill us up.

7. Eliminate alcoholic beverages, appetizers and desserts. Most of these are at least 50% the cost of an entrée.

8. Go only for appetizers or desserts.

9. Drink water or water with lemon for your beverage.

10. Try one meal for the entire family, i.e., pizza, instead of each person getting a separate meal.

11. Take advantage of whatever discounts may be offered such as senior, student, or military.

12. Eat out at lunch time instead of dinner

13. Join restaurant loyalty clubs and take advantage of their offers like eating free on birthdays.

14. Take advantage of the “daily specials.” Many restaurants offer such things as $1 taco night or, 2 for 1 tenderloin night, or other specials during the week. Take advantage of those nights.

15. Eliminate tipping by going to a place where they do not expect you to tip like Panera Bread Co., Subway, or a buffet.

16. Employ the use of a doggy bag for leftovers. This can give you two meals for the price of one and cut your costs in half.

17. Order several “sides” a la carte instead of an entrée.

18. Go out on weekdays when the prices are normally cheaper than weekends.

19. Pay for your meal with a “cash back” credit card. Realistically, the true cost of your meal will be what you pay at the restaurant minus the “cash back” bonus you receive on your credit card statement.